What is the Difference Between the Calvinist and Armenian? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Often within our churches, there is a divide between those who either hold fast to Calvinist versus those who proclaim themselves Armenian as though this is a defining feature of one’s theology. Before considering the differences, it is important to recognize the massive importance and value of John Calvin’s body of work. During the Medieval period the church of Rome had adopted so many false ideologies, precisely those that Paul the Apostle had addressed in his letter to the Roman church long before. As men gained power and prosperity within the auspices of church leadership; the truth of the gospel message faded into obscurity.

Martin Luther began the reformation with restoring the truth of the gospel message that salvation came by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ, God’s eternal, omnipotent, and Sovereign Son-though equal with God and yet, distinct as part of the Triune God and Creator of the Universe.

John Calvin focused on God’s Sovereignty above all of God’s attributes, which leads us to his theological basis. Jacob Arminius at first was a strict Calvinist; however, broke away when his own views focused more on God’s goodness and love as being His greatest attribute.

So, the question might arise when reviewing the ideas of Calvin and Arminius on Atonement, faith, and works: are any of the attributes of God’s Glory higher than another? Or, are all of His Attributes of equal importance in Glory? Do we who live within a world confined by time and space hope to fully understand all the mysteries of an Eternal God who is not bound by time and space; yet, chooses to interact and have relationship with man within our time space boundary?

Atonement:

Calvin: “Christ died to satisfy the justice of God. Christ bore upon Himself the punishment due sin and thereby satisfied the justice of God. This work of Christ can be appropriated only by faith, which unites the believer to Christ; the believer thereby has Christ’s righteousness imputed to him…Calvin taught that Christ’s death was a particular atonement—He died for the elect” (Enns, Theology, 483).

Arminian view: “Although the death of Christ was a sacrifice, a sacrifice was not payment of the debt, nor was it satisfaction of justice for sin…. God promised to pardon sinners on the basis of Christ’s death. He did so by waiving the claims of justice (Enns, Theology, 484).

Scripture on Atonement:

In that God’s wrath was fully satisfied, one must only look at a few scriptures.

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:10-12).

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6-8).

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Note: he died for ALL, so that they which live (those who accept His gift of Salvation will live, not all will live).

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hat set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:22-26).

Discussion Calvinist vs Armenians on Atonement

These verses, I believe confirm that God’s wrath and justice were fully satisfied, and that Christ truly bore upon Himself the full punishment due sin, aligning with John Calvin on this issue; however, not completely. For Calvin believed Christ died only for the elect; whereas, I believe He died for all. Leaving then the only question for mankind, are they born of the Spirit by accepting this atoning gift freely offered by Jesus Christ or do they choose to reject Him and thereby condemn themselves, remaining spiritually dead to Christ. Since Christ died for all, paying their penalty for sin; why are not all saved?

Ah, that is simple; they did not accept the gift. If someone chose to erase the debt of all who came to him believing he would; and, I in my pride refused to go, would my debt be erased? No. It is very clear in scripture; that, our condemnation no longer is due to our debt of sin; rather, it is our refusal to accept the only atonement for that sin.

Did not Paul write: “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 9:34). For all who by faith accept the gift of Salvation, believing that He died for us; there is “therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

What is Our Condemnation Now?

The offense for which a man is condemned now is refusing to freely accept His gift of salvation. Did not Jesus say. “blessed [joyful, favored by God] is he who does not take offense at Me [accepting Me as the Messiah and trusting confidently in My message of salvation].” (Luke 7:23, TLB). Are you offended by His offer of salvation? By Him? One of the hardest things to accept and truly believe as humans is that all our sins are forgiven. We want to earn that favor before God; but, we cannot. Our sin we take too lightly; because, we fail to see that our sin is before God, who is perfect righteousness and holiness. We have no defense, no way to Salvation; apart from Jesus Christ, who died for us.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:17-19).

Concluding thoughts:

Over the course of the next few posts, I do wish to discuss some of the differences between the Calvinist and the Armenian. However, my intention is not to divide further; rather, to provide food for thought. As you will find, I am neither; yet, both in a sense. Will we ever know; until we stand before God, all the mysteries of His Grace, His Love, His Sovereignty and His Justice? Yet, should we be so polarized as to declaring “I am a Calvinist” vs “I am an Armenian.” Should not our primary goal be that of spreading the gospel of Christ to the world? Yes, we must study and we must stand upon the truth of the gospel, never compromising truth. It is for that reason, I have chosen to give some food for thought on this debate.

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